Purchased our EU3000, Dec. of 2000. Used a 2500W Honda gen previously. Our Honda dealer let us trade in the 2500 on the 3000. Got a good deal needless to say. The EU2000's were not on the market at the time. The weight of the 3000 can be awkward. I use a 4 part rope block to hoist the 3k in my garage, back in and lower it into the back of my pickup (passenger side),making sure the exhaust faces to the rear of the pickup!! The 4 part rope block makes for an easy single man operation (no back injuries).
In ECO mode the 3k idles with enough output to charge batteries,run lites,power 2 TV's and direct tv receivers, assorted device chargers and will kick up automatically to power the microwave. To operate the AC you should take it out of ECO for AC startup load. Much easier on the Gen. Those who have camped close to us have commentd how quiet the 3000 is. Have replaced the starting battery 2 times since purchased. No other maintenance problems.
We can shut off the gen from inside our fiver via a shutoff switch in the bedroom and added wire run with power cord to the gen start switch. Made a portable weather cover out of 1" elect PVC sch80 pipe, assorted fittings (no gluing) and blue tarp+zip ties. Breaks down to a small bundle for transport. This gen has worked out very well for us. A good day to all you. The Hooks
